In previous years (2009-2012) we've seen similar reports - albeit with the H5N1 virus -badly decomposed poultry carcasses washing up on the beaches of Hong
Kong, presumably carried to the sea via the Pearl River, which flows out
of Guangdong Province, China.

The assumption - never proven - was that farmers with infected flocks were doing some clandestine dumping of dead or dying poultry rather than reporting outbreaks
to local authorities and risking a greater cull.

Given the size of the Pearl River Delta's outflow, and the expanse of the Zhujiang River Estuary, any recovered carcasses likely represent only a fraction of the total dumped upstream.

A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation
Department (AFCD) said today (February 23) that a chicken carcass found
at Tai O was confirmed to be H5N6 positive.

Laboratory
testing revealed that the highly decomposed chicken carcass collected in
the water off Kat Hing Back Street at Po Chue Tam, Tai O, on February
18 was positive for H5N6.

The spokesman said there are no
poultry farms within 3 kilometres of where the dead chicken was found.
AFCD staff will inspect the vicinity of Po Chue Tam and monitor if there
is any backyard poultry.

A ban on backyard poultry has been
in force since 2006. Unauthorised keeping of five kinds of poultry -
chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons or quails - is an offence with a maximum
fine of $50,000. Repeat offenders are subject to a maximum fine of
$100,000.

The AFCD will conduct inspections of poultry farms
and the wholesale market to ensure that proper precautions against
avian influenza have been implemented. The department will also continue
its wild bird monitoring and surveillance.

The spokesman
said that the department has phoned poultry farmers to remind them to
strengthen precautionary and biosecurity measures against avian
influenza. Letters have been issued to farmers, pet bird shop owners,
licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons reminding them that
proper precautions must be taken.

"People should avoid
personal contact with wild birds and live poultry and their droppings.
They should clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with
them. The public can call the Call Centre on 1823 for follow-up if they
come across suspicious sick or dead birds, including the carcasses of
wild birds and poultry," the spokesman said.

The Food and
Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will continue to be vigilant
over imported live poultry as well as live poultry stalls. It will also
remind stall operators to maintain good hygiene.

The
Department of Health will keep up with its health education to remind
the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to
prevent avian influenza.

The AFCD, the FEHD, the Customs and
Excise Department and the Police will strive to deter the illegal
import of poultry and birds into Hong Kong to minimise the risk of avian
influenza outbreaks caused by imported poultry and birds that have not
gone through inspection and quarantine.

Health advice is available from the "H5N1 Health Advice" on the AFCD website at www.afcd.gov.hk .
Ends/Tuesday, February 23, 2016Issued at HKT 16:33